It should also be noted that trying to protect yourself from the bad gun handling of others by insisting their guns be unloaded is a violation of the 1st and 2nd safety rules.
Whose rules would those be? They vary depending on which list you look at.
The NSSF lists these:
1. Always Keep The Muzzle Pointed In A Safe Direction
2. Firearms Should Be Unloaded When Not Actually In Use
3. Don't Rely On Your Gun's "Safety"
4. Be Sure Of Your Target And What's Beyond It
5. Use Correct Ammunition
6. If Your Gun Fails To Fire When The Trigger Is Pulled, Handle With Care!
7. Always Wear Eye And Ear Protection When Shooting
8. Be Sure The Barrel Is Clear Of Obstructions Before Shooting
9. Don't Alter Or Modify Your Gun, And Have Guns Serviced Regularly
10. Learn The Mechanical And Handling Characteristics Of The Firearm You Are Using
Te NRA's top 3 are:
1. ALWAYS Keep The Gun Pointed In A Safe Direction
2. ALWAYS Keep Your Finger Off The Trigger Until Ready To Shoot
3. ALWAYS Keep The Gun Unloaded Until Ready To Use
Regardless of the list, protecting yourself by insisting guns be unloaded is not a violation of any safety rule. Insisting on guns being unloaded is a far cry from permitting unsafe firearm handling.
Unloaded firearms and following firearm safety rules are NOT mutually exclusive but rather complementary if the actual goal is safety.
